Cordel Littlejohn no longer committed to Illinois

The former Lincolnton High School QB tweeted that the Illini coaches have revoked his scholarship offer

Jack Flagler Sports Editor jflagler

It’s pretty common to see a high school football player’s recruiting situation change after he makes a verbal commitment.

No college decision is official until National Signing Day in February, when a player signs a binding contract with his university to receive an athletic scholarship, puts on a hat or a t-shirt, and smiles for a picture.

All a verbal commitment signifies is that the player is ready to end his recruitment. While countless high school players have changed their minds after that initial decision, it’s rare for the university to be the one to have second thoughts.

But according to former Lincolnton High School quarterback Cordel Littlejohn, that’s exactly what happened with the University of Illinois.

Littlejohn verbally committed to the Illini on August 31st, choosing the Illini over another Division I FBS offer from Tulane. Then on Sept, 26, he tweeted that Illinois had revoked the scholarship offer.

“I just want everyone to know I am no longer committed to the University of Illinois. Not by choice, my scholarship was just took away,” he wrote.

“I don’t want to feel this feeling again,” Littlejohn continued. He added that it was “embarrassing” to tell his family and friends that he’s no longer committed.

Illinois already had a quarterback committed before Littlejohn made his decision – Coran Taylor of Peoria, Illinois. On Sept. 11, MJ Rivers of Frisco, Texas also chose the Illini. Littlejohn told USA TODAY High School Sports that after Rivers’ commitment, Illinois “basically just kicked me out.”

It’s uncommon for a school to drop a scholarship offer to a player unless there’s an academic or disciplinary issue – Littlejohn says that's not the case here.

"I had my official visit set up. My grades are good and they meet the requirements," he told USA Today Sports.

Coaches do not comment on recruiting until after National Signing Day, so there will be no comment from Illini head coach Lovie Smith about what happened with Littlejohn on the recruiting trail.

Meanwhile, Littlejohn will continue the season as the quarterback for Roswell High School in Georgia. The Hornets are 1-4 on the season, and Littlejohn has passed for 477 yards with three touchdowns and five interceptions while rushing for 128 yards and two scores.